Ilia Malinin: 15 consecutive wins. The only human to land a quad Axel. So much hype and the spotlight was bright.
But tonight at the moment that mattered most:
8th place
His words: "It was definitely mental."
That's honesty & ownership. And it takes a hell of a lot of courage to say that than to make excuses.
Every Olympics, the "destined" champion faces THIS moment. A decade of prep. One performance. The body is ready - but did anyone prepare the mind for THAT pressure?
The inner game is still the most underutilized edge in sport.
Ilia is only 21. He'll be back & he will face the fire once again. I was cheering for him tonight, and I’ll be there when he comes back again.
One performance should never define anyone.
A good one or a disappointing one.
Ilia Malinin is a class act and someone I greatly admire!
As badly as I feel for him tonight, I know he will respond with strength, courage, and dignity.
We all love you Ilia!
“I’m up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant.. I’m a product of bravery and I think those people deserve to be celebrated”
Olivia Dean is now a #GRAMMY winner🥲🌟
The killing of Alex Pretti is a heartbreaking tragedy. It should also be a wake-up call to every American, regardless of party, that many of our core values as a nation are increasingly under assault.